Implementation of a global humanitarian outreach experience by partnering engineering, business, and high-tech nursing education with a non-governmental organization

Many universities have an interest in providing global humanitarian experiences to students but often do not have the finances or time available to accommodate such experiences. By collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities can provide undergraduate students majoring in technical and medical fields these experiences. These opportunities can offer a significant understanding of how students can apply their technical and medical educations to a variety of humanitarian challenges. Students also learn how real-life engineering solutions are not always limited to the latest technological advances. Global Brigades is an NGO that organizes university students for service projects in Central America. In academic engineering programs, it is often difficult to create the type of experience that inspires and motivates students. The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE University) includes all engineering specialties, as well as nursing and business schools. MSOE University has found that an academic course of study in cultural anthropology and public health taught in conjunction with international service learning enhances the students' Global Brigades experiences in Central America. Students learn early on in their education the importance of giving back to humanity. This paper will document how MSOE University has partnered with Global Brigades to provide our engineering, high-tech nursing, and business students with the opportunity to have a life-changing experience in their academic fields. We discuss specific examples of each of the Global Brigades experiences and how the students integrate their engineering, nursing, and business educations into these experiences.